Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (Member, American Theatre Critics Association)
and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)
Photos courtesy of Sean Carter Photography
Mary Robin Roth, Jacob Ryan Smith, Ruth Crawford
Lyrical, Lovely “Ladies” in North American Premiere at MBT
If you need a break, there’s no better way to decompress than going to see “Ladies in Lavender” at Meadow Brook Theatre. Based on an Edwardian-era short story by best-selling author William Locke, this sweetly sentimental and poignant tale found its way onto the big screen almost a hundred years later, starring those famous Dames, Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, with a screenplay by Charles Dance. In 2012 the story was adapted yet again, this time for the British stage by Shaun McKenna, touring the UK to rave reviews. The creative team at Meadow Brook spent almost ten years in pursuit of the license to produce this rare, small jewel of a show, and now here it is, seeing its North American premiere at MBT.
It was well worth the wait. The setting is the windswept Cornish coast a few years before the start of World War II, at the remote seaside home of two unmarried sisters in their golden years. Their housekeeper, their radio, and occasional excursions to the nearby town are their only connections to the outside world. They share memories of lost love and longing, but seem content with their life. Until one stormy night, when their world changes forever.
Ruth Crawford, Mary Robin Roth
A mysterious young man is washed up onto their beach, unconscious and injured. He’s bundled up into bed, the local doctor is called. He speaks no English, and they soon learn he is from Poland, swept off of a ship bound for America. The two ladies find a new mission in caring for and spoiling their castaway visitor. But he has a secret, and an amazing talent that serves as the fulcrum of the story – a story of the real meaning of love, of loneliness, of letting go and in doing so, finding happiness.
Ruth Crawford and Mary Robin Roth as sisters Janet and Ursula Widdington deliver endearing performances, full of charm and whimsy. Their no-nonsense housekeeper Dorcas, played by Stephanie Nichols, keeps them down to earth. Much like Sinbad the Sailor from the Arabian Nights, young Andrea Marowski washes ashore and into their lives. As everyone gets to know him, he unwittingly stirs up long-buried feelings and heartbreak. Jacob Ryan Smith brings sincerity and incredible energy to this pivotal character.
Dr Mead, recently widowed, is warmly portrayed by Phil Powers. The gentle, middle-aged doctor is smitten with Olga, the beautiful but much-younger tourist, in a fine performance by Cheryl Turski. But Olga has eyes for the handsome, romantic Andrea. And so does someone else.
Ladies in Lavender
The Arabian Nights is recalled in the musical score, as well. Excerpts from Scheherazade, the 19th-Century Russian symphony, weave in and out of the story like the fragrance of a rose, working its magic, with splendid violin music by off-stage artist Allison Rhoades.
This has to be one of director Travis Walter’s finest works at MBT. The deceptively deliberate pacing and low-key performances in the opening scenes lead to a graceful build and a rewarding conclusion. The cozy set by Jenn Price Fick and lighting by Kerro Knox 3 evoke a happy life by the seaside. A cyclorama serves as the ocean sky, with ever-changing clouds and light, a beautiful effect.
“Ladies in Lavender” is utterly romantic yet bittersweet, and makes for a wonderful experience.
Now through April 10, 2022
Tickets $36 to $46
Meadow Brook Theatre at Wilson Hall
Oakland University
378 Meadow Brook Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
(248) 377-3300
www.mbtheatre.com
Note: Due to the ongoing pandemic, please check the Meadow Brook Theatre website for the latest information on efforts to keep everyone safe.
Meadow Brook Theatre’s season is supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Kresge Foundation, the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, the Shubert Foundation and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.
